School of Medicine

Welcome to the School of Medicine

About Us

Mission

The Mission of the CBU SM is to produce Medical Doctors and Dentists who understand the health care context of the Zambian community, who will be able to convert their knowledge into solutions that will impact the care of the sick in Zambia. These Doctors will always be looking for opportunities to better their practice and be able to work on par with other Medical Doctors and Dentists trained in the region or in any developed country.

Vision

The vision of the CBU SM is to produce sufficient doctors and Dentist to meet the WHO recommendation of 1 doctor per 5000 population, 1:10,000 and one specialist per 10,000 populations, 1:300,000 respectively. Through this to improve the health indices in Zambia to the level obtaining in developed countries.

Values

Academic Excellence

Integrity

Service to the community

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Evidence-based practice

Continuous professional development

Innovation

Self and peer review

History

The Copperbelt University School of Medicine (CBU SM) idea was conceived in 2009.The University of Zambia school of Medicine had been the single public Medical School in Zambia for over 43 years and had produced just over 1200.The incumbent Dean of the UNZA School of Medicine, at the time, Prof Y F Mulla and the Minister of Health Hon Kapembwa Simbao agreed that the starting of a second Medical university be pursued as a urgent priority.The CBU agreed to provide governance of the School, while the Ndola Central Hospital & Arthur Davison s Childrens Hospital were selected as the initial location of administrative offices and the clinical training site. The presence of the Biomedical School and the Tropical Diseases Research centre provided additional support for the research and basic science training components of the program. In 2009 with the help WHO, a consultant , Prof Solomon Shakumbi of the University of Ibadan was invited to determine the feasibility of the project. The consultants evaluation indicated that this was a feasible project. In 2010 Cabinet of the Government of Zambia appointed a technical working group to oversee the commencement of the project. The committee proposed the setting up of both the MBChB(Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery) and BDS(Bachelor of Dental Surgery) programs. In 2011 the committee through the Copperbelt University designated a Founding Dean, to commence the work of setting up the School with an opening date of mid 2011.

Current

The CBU SOM was approved by the Senate of the Copperbelt University and inaugurated by the President of the republic of Zambia at the time in June 2011. The Health Professions council approved the commencement of training in Dentistry and Medicine in June 2011.The founding Dean Professor K Bowa was appointed on the 1st July 2011. The school admitted its inaugural class on the 14th November 2011. There were 72 students admitted. Of whom 26 were in the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)Program and 46 in the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBCHB).The school has set up 3 key departments which are basic sciences, clinical sciences and dental sciences.
The staff establishment for year 1 was 15.

The current permanent staff are as follows

Academic Staff 21

Non Academic Staff 15

The school has 7 academic courses for year 1 and has 3 semesters. In addition 29 part time staff have been recruited to support the teaching. The school has been using shared facilities for teaching, staff offices and students accommodation. Specifically allocated areas for the school include 8 administrative offices, 1 library, 32 roomed student hotels, a cafeteria with 250 seating space, an anatomy lab with 10 cadaver capacity and a 100 seat lecture theatre.

The school is using the School of Biomedical Sciences for pathology laboratory teaching and staff offices for Basic Sciences. In addition the students Hostels for 32 medical/dental students are located at the Ndola school of Biomedical Sciences.

The clinical teaching is being done at Ndola University Hospitals (NCH,Ndola Central Hospital and ADCH Arthur Davison Childrens Hospital), which are large specialist referral hospital with a combine bed capacity of 1400 beds. Public health practical teaching is being done in Ndola rural chief Mushilis area. A community worker has been employed to facility student access to the community in Chief Mushilis area.

The school has secured a 50 hectare plot in Hillcrest which is designated for the building of a 500 bed hospital, 1000 student accommodation facility, the medical and dental college facility. The Copperbelt University is in the process of securing title deeds for the property. Construction of the facility phase 1 and 2 are expected to be complete in August 2015.

The Dean

Prof. Kasonde Bowa

MSc(Glasgow)M.Med,FRCS(Glasgow),FCS,FACS,MPH(LSTHM)

A LOVE FOR HUMANITY

WHEREVER THE ART OF MEDICINE IS LOVED , THERE IS ALSO A LOVE OF HUMANITY.
HIPPOCRATES ANCIENT GREEK PHYSICAN

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

Copperbelt University School of Medicine is only the second public Medical School in Zambia. It has the first Dental School in Zambia offering the Bachelors in Dental Surgery (BDS). It has a novel approach to medical and Dental Training based on the most current thinking on Medical training. The philosophy of the school is “Training Tomorrows Doctors Today” . Some of the concepts include systems based teaching in an integrated curriculum, early clinical exposure; problem based/team based approach and preventive health as a core subject.

The school opened on the 14 th November 2011.The school runs 3 undergraduate programs,3 clinical postgraduate programs and 2 research postgraduate programs. The school has an average annual intake of 150 undergraduate and 10 postgraduate students.

The school has lecturers of international renowned and broad international experience. The training is conducted in an environment rich in clinical and research material. The CBU SOM is located advantageously between the Ndola Central Hospital and the Tropical Disease Research centre within the Ndola Central Hospital. The hospital is the main referral Hospital in the North of the country with 1200 beds. The TDRC is the only medical research institute in Zambia.

The question is sometimes asked. Why should I choose to training at CBU SOM ? The answer that would be given is that, there is no better place to train for modern medical practice than at CBU School of medicine.

About the Dean

Professor Bowa is Full Professor. He has over 25 years of teaching experience. He has over 60 publications and his area of research has been in Male Circumcision and Tropical Urology. He has impact points of 98.61. He has 163 citations.

Programmes of Study

Undergraduate Programmes

Bachelor of Dental Medicine

Curriculum Model

The curriculum model is innovative. It is a modern approach to curriculum design which is open and integrative. It provides for vertical integration between the basic sciences and dental practice, as well as horizontal integration of the basic sciences to each other. The curriculum allows for early exposure to dental practice and continuous teaching in basic sciences through out the program. In using all combinations of delivery of curriculum, such as problem based, student centered and systems based learning to achieve a learning mix that produces the best in the student. Community based training is an integral part of the curriculum that runs throughout the program and anchors the training within the context of the community. The model is open by breaking the subject specific system of training in favour of a learning by concept system.

Bachelors of Medicine and Surgery

Curriculum Model

The curriculum model is innovative. It is a modern approach to curriculum design which is open and integrative. It provides for vertical integration between the basic sciences and clinical sciences, as well as horizontal integration of the basic sciences to each other. The curriculum allows for early exposure to clinical sciences and continuous teaching in basic sciences throughout the program. In using all combinations of delivery of curriculum, such as problem based, student centered and systems based learning to achieve a learning mix that produces the best in the student. Community based training is an integral part of the curriculum that runs throughout the program and anchors the training within the context of the community. The model is open by breaking the subject specific system of training in favor of a learning by concept system.

Bachelors of Science Clinical Medicine

Curriculum Model

The curriculum model is innovative. It is a modern approach to curriculum design which is open and integrative. It provides for vertical integration between the basic sciences and clinical sciences, as well as horizontal integration of the basic sciences to each other. The curriculum allows for early exposure to clinical sciences and continuous teaching in basic sciences throughout the program. In using all combinations of delivery of curriculum, such as problem based, student centered and systems based learning to achieve a learning mix that produces the best in the student. Community based training is an integral part of the curriculum that runs throughout the program and anchors the training within the context of the community. The model is open by breaking the subject specific system of training in favor of a learning by concept system. This is a 3 year program to train health professionals to middle level health providers within the health care system of Zambia.

Postgraduate Programs

Clinical Sciences

Master of Medicine

Curriculum Model

This is a practical hospital based training which is of 4 year duration. It involves a hospital appointment as Supernumerary Senior House Officer and subsequently as Supernumerary Registrar at the Ndola central and the Arthur Davison Childrens hospitals. The total bed space of these hospitals is over 1000 beds. Trainings have practical hospital training under the supervision of Clinical Consultants in the hospital with daily postgraduate tutorials and annual assessments. Students are expected undertake clinical research in their final year of training.The training is intended to produce a specialist Registrar in the clinical fields of training at the end of 4 years.

The current fields of training are

Surgery

Urology

Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Research Degrees

MSc and DSc degrees

Curriculum Model

Master of Sciences degree

This is an 18month training, which is by research. Students are expected to undertake 6 month modules to provide core information in Medical sciences, Research Methods, leadership and Administration. They will conduct independent research in the area of Basic Sciences for up to 1 year.

Doctor of Science degree

This is a 3 year research program in Medical sciences. It designed by annual supervision of a Doctorate committee to assess the annual progress of a research students to progress from proposal ,to data collection to thesis submission. This program is designed to achieve in depth medical science research with the potential to create a life long area of scientific skill and problem solving locally applicable research.

Admissions

How to Apply

Students shall be admitted following advertisement for a period of at least 2 months in the national press. Admission shall be based on the following:

Admission Requirements

Internal Selection

This is intended for students in the School of Natural Sciences Non Quota who select Medicine or Dentistry as their first choice after 1 year in the SNM at the Copperbelt University

Pass in all the courses in the SNMS Non quota

A minimum of 8 points in Chemistry,Physics,Mathematics and Biology

A comment of clear pass

External Selection (Parallel Program)

This is intended for students not in the CBU SMNS Non quota group, and includes eligible students with equivalent qualifications from other schools, institutions or Universities

"A" level qualifications atleast with a minimum of passes in Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics or its equivalent

Students with 1 year in Natural sciences at any approved University with passes in Mathematics,biology,Chemistry and Physics will be admissible.

Direct entry students will be those with BSc in Natural Sciences with Biology and Chemistry majors or health related sciences will be admissible. Students with credits and above will be preferred.

Admission Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine

This is a 3 year program leading to the award of a BSc in Clinical Medicine. It is intended to upgrade the skills and knowledge for holders of a Diploma in Clinical Medicine. However any health professional with a Diploma in health sciences may apply.

Admission Criteria

Diploma in clinical Medicine or Health related field

A levels with passes in Mathematics,Chemistry,Physics and Biology

One year in the School of Natural Sciences with passes in Mathematics,Chemistry, Physics and Biology

Admission Bachelor for Post Graduate Courses

The CBU SOM offer two types of Postgraduate training programs. These programs are the following;

Clinical Master degrees

Research Degrees

Clinical Masters Degrees

These are post graduate Master of Medicine degrees of 4 year duration for Medical Doctors. These training programs are hospital based and are designed to produce a clinical specialist whole will attain the position of a hospital consultant in the health system.

The school is has currently 3 accredited programs, by the Health Profession Council of Zambia, these programs are;

Master of Medicine in General surgery M.Med(GS)

Master of Medicine in Urology M.Med (Uro)

Master of Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynaecology M.Med(Obs)

These programs are advertised in the local media annually and a maximum intake of 10 places are available. Students in the SADC, African and Overseas are especially encouraged to apply.The intake commences in May every year. Online applications are available at the CBU website.

Admission Requirements

The basic medical degree of MBChB or equivalent

At least 2 years post qualifying experience

Registration with the Health Professions Council of Zambia

Research Programs

These are programs designed to train Medical Scientists in the areas of Basic Medical Sciences( these include Anatomy,Physiology,Laboratory Sciences etc) and Clinical sciences(these include Medicine, Surgery,Urology etc). The cadres maybe a Medical Doctors, Veterinary Doctors, Health professionals or other scientist with the essential pre-requisites in the area of Medical Sciences. The program will train a cadre of scientists to support Basic Medical Sciences research as well as Clinical sciences research. It serves to promote a career path in Academic research in Medicine.

Two programs are offered in this field namely;

Master of Science Degree (leading to a career as a Senior Medical Scientist, who would manage an Academic Research unit within the University system or other similar institutions)

Doctor of Science Degree (leading to a career as a Expert Medical Scientist, who would manage an Academic Research department or institute within the University or other similar institutions )

Admission Requirements

For Master of Science – this is a structures 2 year degree by research with annual panel evaluation for progression.

The candidate will be required to have BSc in a natural science, health sciences or equivalent

The BSc degree should normally have been obtained with a credit or higher

Candidates with MBChB or BVM admissible to this program

Some research experience will be an added advantage

For the Doctor of Science degree - this is a structured 3 year degree program by research, with annual panel evaluation for progression.

Candidates are expected to have MSc degree in Medical or Health Science and equivalents

Medical and Veterinary Doctors with Masters degrees in clinical areas are also admissible

Research experience is vital for admission

Applications can be made online at the CBU website

Rules & Regulations

Careers

Research & Projects

Research Focus

The Copperbelt University School of Medicine (CBU SOM) is only the second public medical school in Zambia, after the University of Zambia School of Medicine.. There are 2 other privately run Medical Schools in Zambia. CBU SOM is the only Medical school outside Lusaka. The School is the only school that has a dental degree training program in the country which is intended to address the critical shortage of dentists in Zambia. There are about 65 Dentists in Zambia only 25 are Zambians. Even though Zambia requires about 2,500 medical doctors, there are only 1,200 doctors out of which only 600 are Zambians.

The School of Medicine’s research activity commenced upon its establishment with the production of 18 peer reviewed journal publications in its first year in 2012. This was followed by 23 publications in 2013. In 2014 CBU SM has produced 27 journal publications.

The CBU SM projects to reach a research out put of 30 papers in the year 2015. CBU SM has the highest research output in the CBU University averaging 75% of all publication outputs in the University. In 2013 the School introduced Clinical postgraduate programs.In 2014 the school introduced two research degree, these are in the areas of Basic Medicial Sciences,Clinical and Public Health research.

These programs will offer MSc degree and Doctor of Sciences degrees in these 3 research areas.The increase of research publications will be enhanced by the commencement of these graduate research degrees which have been introduced.

Research Administration

There are three research groups in the School that are led by a Research Coordinator. Currently, the School has submitted 10 research proposals which have been approved for small grants under the University’s research funds.

Research Grants

Number

Study Area

PI

Amount

1

TB DOTs in copperbelt Province

Mrs C Muchemwa

150,000K CBU Research funds

2

Anatomy organs standard weight

Prof K Bowa

15,000K CBU SM Research funds

3

Male Circumcision Perceptions

Prof K Bowa

15,000K CBU SM Research funds

4

Edible insection nutritional components

Prof N Siulapwa

5,000USD NSTC

5

Dipstick Test Schistosomiasis

Dr V Mwanakasale

10,000 National Institute of Research China

6

Eostorgen in waste water

Dr S Sichilima

20,000USD NSTC

7

Maternal and Child Health interventions

Dr V Mukonka

10,000USD WHO

Educational and Training Grants

Number

Title

Administrator

Amounts

1

NEXT STEP

Prof K Bowa Prof O Vainio

University Oulu EU grant 100,000USD

2

CONSAMS

Prof Bowa Dr Ngomazana

MEPI University of Botswana 100,000USD

3

MEPI

Prof K Bowa Prof Y K Mulla

MEPI NHI USA 1,200,000USD

Current Research

Currently research projects are grouped under clinical, basic sciences and public health:

A prospective study to review the weight of important internal organs compared to that of text book values at Ndola Central Hospital.

Chirambo RM, Baboo KS, Siziya S. Performance of acute flaccid paralysis surveillance system in Zambia: 2000 to 2009- an analysis of secondary data. International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology 2014;3:75-81.

Linkages & Partnerships

The CBU SM collaborates with local research institutions that include the Tropical Disease Research Centre (TDRC) and the School of Medicine of the University of Zambia (UNZA). Internationally, it is part of two consortia, the Consortium of New Medical Schools (CONSAMS) that include the University of Nambia, University of Bostwana, UNILURIO Mozambique, University of Lesotho, Oulu University in Finland and the University of Vanderbilt in the USA. The other consortium is the Medical Education Initiative which consist of 13 Universities in Africa and is funded under a NHI program of the USA government. The total annual support through these two programs amount to US$ 200,000USD per annum. The School is in the process of commencing international collaborations with the University of Tel Aviv in Israel, the University of the Western Cape and University of Cape Town.

Funded Collaborative Projects

Name of Project

Project Budget (US$)

Source Funding

Duration of Project

Partner Institutions / Organisations

COSAMS

100,000

USAID/PREFFAR

June 2011-July 2014

UNAM,UNILURIO,University of Bostwana

MEPI

100,000

USAID

Jan 2011 to September 2016

UNZA SOM

Critical Areas for Partnership with Local and International Organisations

Ministry of Health- provide research consultancy

Tropical Disease Research centre- joint ethical research committee and research application

World Health Organisation- research and consultancy

UNZA School of medicine- joint Research projects

National science Technology council-joint research

Consultancy

The School provides consultancies to several institutions including the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation (National and International Office) and The National Science Research Council.

Boards

Departments

Basic Sciences Department

The Department of Basic Sciences is one of the departments in the school of medicine. The Basic Sciences Department provides instruction in human science courses, such as Anatomy, Physiology, Clinical Chemistry, Immunology and Medical Microbiology to Bachelors of medicine and surgery and Bachelors of dental medicine students

Mission

To provide teaching expertise and curricular leadership roles for the school of medicine curriculum and to train the next generation of researchers through post-doctoral training and future graduate school programs.

Staff

Professor

Prof. BOWA, K. MSc,M.Med,FRCS,FACS(Uro),FCS(Uro) MPH(LSTMH) Subject

Anatomy

Lecturer ( Part-time )

Nataliya, Y. MD Subject

Radiology

Senior Lecturer ( Part-time )

Mubikayi, L. MD Subject

Pathology

Senior Lecturer ( Part-time )

Petrenko, V. MD Subject

Pathology

Senior Lecturer

Mulele, C. FRCPath Subject

Pathology

Senior Lecturer

Prof. Victor Mwanakasale MBChB,MSc,PHD Subject

Parasitology

Lecturer

Chisompola, N. BSc,MSC Subject

Laboratory Sciences

Lecturer

Kankinza, N. BA,MSc Subject

Behavioural Sciences

Senior Lecturer

Chileshe, M. BA,MSc,PHD Subject

Behavioural Sciences

Lecturer

Besa, C. MBChB,PHD Subject

Pharmacology

Lecturer ( Part-time )

Mwakalombe, P. BA,MA Subject

BS

Lecturer

Kwangu, M. BVM,MSc Subject

Biochemistry

Lecturer

Mushabati, F. BVM,MSc Subject

Physiology

Lecturer

Sichilima, A. BSc,MSc,PHD Subject

Physiology

Lecturer

Njunju, E. BSc,MSc Subject

Biochemistry

Lecturer

Muchemwa, M.C. BSc,MSc Subject

Lab Sciences

Associate Professor

Prof. Syaabalo, S. MBChB,PHD,FACCP Subject

Physiology

Clinical Sciences Department

The clinical science department is located at the Ndola Central Hospital in Ndola, on the 6th floor with Tropical Disease Control. The Hospital is operated by the Ministry of Health, with funding from the Government of the Republic of Zambia. The clinical Sciences Department constitute the school’s administrative unit to manage the activities of training, teaching and research in clinical sciences.

In the working relations between the school and the Ministry of Health, the tasks of the school are threefold: Medical training, Medical care and the advancement of medical knowledge and research.

The tasks are successfully undertaken by the staff of CBU School of medicine and the Ndola Central Hospital.

Vision

To establish the Clinical Sciences department that is able to manage the activities of training, Teaching and Research in Clinical medicine.

Motto : Selflessness, sacrifice, and service in training tomorrow’s Doctors.

Staff

Professor

Prof. BOWA, K. MSc,M.Med,FRCS,FACS(Uro),FCS(Uro) MPH(LSTMH) Subject

Urologist

Senior Lecturer

D D Mugala M.Med(Gen Surg),FCS Subject

Surgeon

Senior Lecturer

Kawimbe. B, FACS,FRCS(E) Subject

Surgeon

Consultant

Makupe, A. ( Part-time ) FCS(GS)

Consultant

Musowoya, J. ( Part-time ) M.Med,FCS

Consultant

Zidula, M. ( Part-time ) MD

Consultant

Maksoud, G. ( Part-time ) MD

Consultant

Phiri, S. ( Part-time ) MRCP

Consultant

Simutowe, C. ( Part-time ) FRCS(I) Subject

Pediatrics

Consultant

Mulenga, J. ( Part-time ) M.Med

Consultant

Banda, J. ( Part-time ) MD Subject

Internal medicine

Consultant

Hamdi, S. ( Part-time ) MD Subject

Anesthesia

Consultant

Lubanga, M. ( Part-time ) MRCP Subject

Anesthesia

Consultant

Mumba ( Part-time ) FFARCS Subject

Anesthesia

Consultant

Mwansa, J. ( Part-time ) M.Med Subject

Pediatrics

Consultant

Mwambazi, M. ( Part-time ) M.Med Subject

Pediatrics

Consultant

Mweene, M. ( Part-time ) M.Med Subject

IM

Consultant

Nyirenda, C. ( Part-time ) M.Med Subject

IM

Consultant

Banda, J. ( Part-time ) M.Med Subject

IM

Consultant

Kapakala, M. ( Part-time ) M.Med Subject

Pediatrics

SR

Miti, S. ( Part-time ) M.Med Subject

Pediatrics

Consultant

Kolovoto, C. ( Part-time ) FCS Subject

IM

Consultant

Bulaya, A. ( Part-time ) MD Subject

Othorpedics

Consultant

Njobvu, M. ( Part-time ) M.Med Subject

Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Dental Sciences Department

The Dental science Department is located at the Ndola central Hospital and the Arthur Davidson Childrens Hospital. It has a compliment of 7 staff and an annual intake of about 25 Dental Students. It has key sections of Pediatric Dentistry, Oral Surgery, Reconstructive Dentistry, Facial Maxillary Surgery,Oral Medicine and Oral Radiology.

The department is expanding infrastructure to develop a fully-fledged Dental hospital in a few years.

Mission

To improve Oral Health in Zambia through training high quality training of qualified Dental Surgeons.

Consultant

Kamina, K. ( Part-time ) BDS,MDS Subject

Oral surgery

Consultant

Mwinga ( Part-time ) BDS,MDS Subject

Oral Medicine

Consultant

Marimo, C. ( Part-time ) BDS,MDS Subject

Dental Sciences

Consultant

Sharat, N. ( Part-time ) BDS,MDS

Consultant

Nyerembe, S. ( Part-time ) BDS,MDS Subject

Reconstructive

Consultant

Rukoma, U. ( Part-time ) BDS,MDS

Consultant

Mukena, M. ( Part-time ) BSc,MSc

Public Health Unit

The Public Health Unit (PHU) starts its teaching to medical and dental students in their 1ST year of training and continues up to their 5th year of graduation. The objectives of the PHU are to introduce students to the concept of public health and its relevance in the health care delivery system in Zambia; to equip students with the knowledge and skills to be able to conduct epidemiological studies on diseases of public health importance in Zambia; to equip students with the knowledge and skills to plan, organize and evaluate health programmes; to develop in the students the spirit of team work in promoting health; and to increase students’ interest in uptake of careers in rural practice.

Mission

To promote healthy communities through teaching

Vision

To be the centre of excellence in research and training

Learning Environment

Students will learn and acquire professional competencies in both rural and urban settings:

Communities

Health Centres

Hospitals

Schools

Industries

Public Health Curriculum

PHU curriculum consists of didactic lectures in public health and Community Based Education (CBE). The didactic lectures on the different topics of public health cover the following subjects:

Primary Health Care

Epidemiology

Demography

Biostatistics

Public Health Nutrition

Occupational Health

Maternal and Child Health

Environmental Health

Health Education

Communicable and Non Communicable Diseases

Health Services Management and Administration

Research Methods

First Aid

Community Based Education

CBE is a program, were students go into the community and interact with the community. Through CBE students learn professional competences focusing on preventive medicine in the community setting.

Research

Student research

Research projects start in their 3rd year under the supervision of the members of staff. The Public Health Unit expects the students to understand the use of different research methods.

Staff research

Members of the PHU are involved in conducting research in the following areas: